ORLANDO — With 7:58 left in the second quarter, Russell Westbrook checked in. The second name called by the public announcer was the real shocker.
For the first time since Dec. 23, Alex Abrines played in a game. The third-year guard missed the Thunder's previous 17 games to illness and what the team has called “personal reasons.”
“It's so exciting to be back with the team,” Abrines said after the Thunder's 126-117 win Tuesday. “I've been around the team and working with them, but it just feels good to be around the team and help them.